Sylhet Division failed to become unbeaten champions in the National Cricket League (NCL) 2024–25 after they lost their seventh and final round game by 54 runs to Rajshahi Division at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram on Tuesday.

Sylhet, who confirmed their maiden NCL title in the previous round, lost their last two wickets within 16 balls after they resumed on 142-8 on the fourth and final day, conceding their first defeat in the the tournament's 26th edition.

However, despite the defeat, Sylhet finished the tournament eight points clear of second-placed Dhaka Metro, who earned 29 points.

For Rajshahi, Nihad Uz Zaman claimed 5-24 to finish the match with nine wickets.

In Bogura, Barishal Division finally tasted their first victory this season after beating Dhaka Division by 122 runs. It was also Dhaka's first defeat in the tournament; they finished their campaign in third place with 25 points.

Barishal pacer Ruyel Miah finished with 6-28 to trigger a batting collapse in Dhaka's second innings, which folded for only 98 runs, chasing 221.

Earlier, Barishal added 34 runs to their overnight score of 207-5 before they were all out for 241 runs in their second innings.

Meanwhile, the other match between Khulna Division and Rangpur Division ended in a draw at the Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium in Khulna.

Khulna pacer Mehedi Hasan Rana was the top performer in the contest as he claimed 11 wickets, including 7-31 in the first innings.

Meanwhile, Sylhet skipper Amite Hasan was adjudged player of the tournament, for having scored a tournament-high 785 runs at an average of 78.50. Dhaka pacer Anamul Haque finished as the tournament's highest wicket-taker with 36 wickets at an average of 15.41.

NCL: ROLL OF HONOUR

(Last 10 editions)

Season Winner

2024-25 Sylhet

2023–24 Dhaka

2022–23 Rangpur

2021–22 Dhaka

2020–21 Cancelled due to Covid-19

2019–20 Khulna

2018–19 Rajshahi

2017–18 Khulna

2016–17 Khulna

2015-16 Khulna